A pair at Lord’s is hardly the way to end a career but for young batsman James Goodman it will not sour his view of his time as a professional cricketer.

The former Kent and England under-19 batsman called time on his career last week, turning down an offer of a new contract from the county to pursue life outside the game.

The 20-year-old, who played age-group cricket for the county before being accepted on the Kent Academy in 2005 – led at the time by former director of cricket Paul Farbrace – has opted to work for a company that offers professional cricket coaching, before going to university next year.

The Farnborough-born batsman (pictured below), who is keen to pursue a career in the business world, admitted his decision to quit the game wasn’t an easy one.

He said: "Ever since I have been on the Academy there has been another side to how I saw my life going and that was more of an academic side.

"At the start there was the lure of a professional contract and the ability to train throughout the winter to give me a chance of playing well in the summer.

"More recently, it has been more about seeing my friends going to university having a great time and I feel I am missing out on that experience."

Goodman played just five first-class games for Kent, with his last appearance in the nine-wicket defeat to Middlesex at Lord’s in June – a game in which he registered a duck in both innings.

While he admits it wasn’t the best of games to look back on, he reflects on a positive experience during his time at Kent.

He added: "I’m pleased looking back at my time with Kent.

"I valued my Academy days and now I am moving on to something different."